Lesley Howard

Hello, I’m Lesley. I’m an Autistic Artist who is interested in work that is highly visual, sensory-rich and playful, predominantly for young audiences and ASN Settings. My practice is held by four core values: playfulness, accessibility, curiosity, and joy. I view the arts not only as a space to educate, advocate and amplify voices, but as an accessible space for escapism.

I’m interested in creating environments where people can explore, experiment and connect through movement - spaces where autonomy is present and access is embedded. As an Autistic person, I experience the world through a different sensory and communication lens, prioritising non-verbal expression and pattern exploration as ways of connecting. This perspective allows me to bring a unique approach to my practice. Access is centred and viewed as an active collaborator within the artistic process - present, considered and adaptable.

I regularly facilitate with Clifftop Projects, working closely with young people from a range of socio-economic backgrounds and different access needs, delivering creative sessions that centre their voices and support them to lead their own creative journeys. I’m also part of a collaboration, Just Us, with Deaf Artist Clare Adam. Together we create work that draws on our lived experiences, creating space for young people to feel respected and represented, while allowing us to hold agency over our own stories and reclaim our narratives through the work we make.

Most recently I am exploring how to showcase Autism as a physical form through live performance - what this means to me as an artist and how it is interpreted.

For Just Us email: clareandlesley@outlook.com